LAUSR

Implantation of biomaterials capable of the controlled release of antibacterials during articular cartilage repair may prevent post-operative infections. Herein, we prepared biomaterials with biomimetic architectures (non-woven mats of fibers) via electrospinning that were composed of poly(ɛ-caprolactone), poly(lactic acid) and Bombyx mori silk fibroin (with varying ratios), and, optionally, an antibiotic drug (cefixime trihydrate). The composition, morphology and mechanical properties of the nanofibrous mats were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and tensile testing. The non-woven mats had nanoscale fibers (typical diameters of 324-725 nm), and were capable of controlling the release profiles of the drug, with antibacterial activity against Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria (two common strains of human pathogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) under in vitro static conditions. The drug loaded nanofiber mats displayed cytocompatibility comparable to pure poly(ɛ-caprolactone) nanofibers when cultured with NIH-3T3 Fibroblast cell line and have long term potential for clinical applications in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.